Abraham Lincoln and His Steps That Changed the World!

Those who think, “What can one person achieve all by himself?” There are some names that change the fate of not just a country but the entire world. Abraham Lincoln is exactly such a figure. This man, who is etched in our memories with his tall stature, iconic top hat and thoughtful gaze, is a hero who led the United States during one of its most difficult periods, ended slavery and managed to preserve the unity of a nation. But behind these great achievements lies a life full of poverty, pain and countless obstacles.

In this article, we will discover together, in the most sincere way, how that modest life that began in a log cabin led to the White House, how he earned the nickname “Honest Abe” and most importantly, the deep legacy he left to humanity.

Born in 1809 to a poor family in Kentucky, Abraham Lincoln showed great intellectual development through his own efforts despite having limited access to formal education. He taught himself law at a young age and became a lawyer, and quickly gained respect with his honesty and being a man of the people. Beginning his political career in the Illinois state legislature, he gradually became a prominent figure in national politics and was elected President of the United States in 1860.

During Lincoln’s presidency, the country came to the brink of division over the issue of slavery. The Civil War that began under his leadership was a critical turning point in both the unity of the nation and the end of slavery. He defended the universal values ​​of democracy with the idea of ​​“government of the people, by the people, for the people.” In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life of Abraham Lincoln, his struggle for principles, and the lasting legacy he left behind.

If you are ready, let’s take an unforgettable journey into the life of one of history’s most influential leaders!

Lincoln’s Tough Childhood and His Determination

Abraham Lincoln’s story began on February 12, 1809, in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky. Life in these lands, considered the frontiers of America at the time, was literally a struggle for survival. His father, Thomas Lincoln, was an illiterate farmer and carpenter, and his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, was a smart woman who would be lost at an early age. Our hero learned the meaning of poverty at a young age. He had no toys, no luxuries, but he had an endless curiosity and thirst for learning. This thirst would be his greatest asset.

His formal school education would not even last a year. There was no regular school system in the frontier regions, and children generally had to help their families. However, this situation never dulled his desire to learn. On the contrary, he would devour every book he could get his hands on, especially the Bible, Aesop’s Fables, and Shakespeare. He would spend hours by the light of the fireplace at night with books he had borrowed. He taught himself how to read, write, do math, and even basic law. This was one of the best proofs of his determination and self-motivation.

His childhood and early youth were spent doing hard farm work. His nickname “The Rail Splitter” comes from this period, because he was very good at splitting wood and making fences. He and his family moved first to Indiana and then to Illinois. These migrations and the hardships of frontier life gave him the opportunity to learn about hardiness, practical intelligence and human nature. He worked at different jobs; hauling freight on the Mississippi River on a flatboat, clerking in a grocery store, and working as a postman. Each experience was a brick that shaped his character.

Abraham Lincoln and His Self-Made Ambition!

Lincoln’s efforts to educate himself were not limited to general knowledge. When he decided to become a lawyer, his greatest help was again books. Law schools were not common at the time, and like many people, he learned law through a master-apprentice relationship or by studying on his own. He developed himself by reading borrowed law books, following cases, and practicing. This process sharpened his analytical thinking skills, reasoning skills, and effective public speaking skills. Thanks to his determination, he was accepted to the Illinois bar without any formal education.

The personal losses that Abraham Lincoln experienced at an early age also left deep marks on his character. He lost his mother when he was only 9 years old. Later, his beloved older sister Sarah also passed away at a young age. This pain caused him to be withdrawn and melancholic, but it also increased his sense of empathy and sensitivity to the suffering of others. Perhaps this is why he would be so sensitive to injustice and cruelty throughout his life. The difficulties did not discourage him; on the contrary, they made him stronger.

Lawyer and Politician: Lincoln’s Path to the White House

Abraham Lincoln quickly became a well-known name in Illinois as a lawyer. He earned the respect of both his colleagues and the public with his honesty, quick wit and impressive oratory skills. He was especially famous for his defenses in front of juries and the jokes he told. As an itinerant lawyer, he would travel from town to town on horseback, trying different types of cases. The nickname “Honest Abe” he earned during this period reflected one of the most distinctive features of his character. People trusted him and believed in his justice and sincerity.

In addition to his legal career, Lincoln was also interested in politics and was first elected to the Illinois State Assembly on the Whig Party ranks. He served four terms there and took an active role in various projects for the development of the state. His political views were gradually taking shape, and his discomfort with slavery in particular was increasing. However, at that time, slavery was a complex problem deeply ingrained in American society and he was taking cautious steps on the subject. Nevertheless, deep down, he was taking a stance against this inhumane practice.

Lincoln also served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1847-1849. He was noted for his opposition to the Mexican-American War. He believed the war was unnecessary and unjust. However, this opposition was not popular with his constituents and he was not re-nominated. After this experience, he withdrew from active politics for a while and returned to his law practice. Perhaps this was a disappointment for him, but it was also an opportunity to prepare for greater goals.

Slavery and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates

The Kansas-Nebraska Act, passed in 1854, marked Lincoln’s return to politics. This act stipulated that the local people would decide whether slavery would be free in newly established states, and this posed the danger of slavery spreading. Abraham Lincoln strongly opposed this act and argued that slavery should not be allowed to spread. During this period, he joined the newly formed Republican Party, known for its anti-slavery views. He had now become an important figure who brought the issue of slavery to the center of American politics.

One of the most important events that brought him national recognition was a series of debates he held with Stephen A. Douglas, the Democratic Party candidate for Illinois senator, in 1858. In these debates, which went down in history as the “Lincoln-Douglas Debates,” the issue of slavery was discussed at length. Although Lincoln did not win the senate, his impressive performance in these debates, his deep knowledge, and his moral stance made a big impact throughout the country. He was now seen as a potential Republican presidential candidate, and his path to the White House was slowly opening up.

The President Who Ended Slavery: The Civil War

Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860 as the candidate of the Republican Party. However, this victory brought the country to the brink of a major crisis. The southern states, concerned about the abolition of slavery, perceived his election as a threat and one after another declared their secession from the Union, establishing the Confederate States of America. Before he even took office, he found himself the leader of a nation on the verge of disintegration. His greatest task was to preserve the Union at all costs.

The American Civil War officially began with the attack of Confederate forces on Fort Sumter in April 1861. This would be the bloodiest and most destructive war in American history. Abraham Lincoln had to make extremely difficult decisions as commander-in-chief throughout the war. On the one hand, he managed military strategies, and on the other hand, he tried to convince public opinion for the continuation of the Union. Although the Union armies were not very successful in the early years of the war, Lincoln never gave up his determination and his goal of preserving the Union. His leadership, patience and strategic intelligence would change the course of the war.

One of the most important turning points of the war was the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Lincoln on January 1, 1863. This proclamation declared that all slaves in the rebellious Confederate states were free. This was not only a military strategy, but also a strong moral stance. The proclamation gave new meaning to the war and clearly stated the goal of abolishing slavery. Although Honest Abe initially prioritized preserving the Union, as the war progressed, his belief that slavery should be completely abolished strengthened and he took historic steps towards this end.

Finally, in 1865, slavery was banned nationwide with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg Address and His Death

Abraham Lincoln was not only a war leader, but also an extraordinary orator. His words spoke to the conscience and hopes of the American nation. His Gettysburg Address in 1863 is one of the most important and most quoted speeches in American history. This short but powerful speech, in which he emphasized the struggle to “let government of the people, by the people, and for the people not perish from the earth,” has become a universal definition of democracy and freedom. In his Second Inauguration Address in 1865, he presented his vision of a nation united to heal the wounds of war and “with malice toward none, and good for all.”

Unfortunately, Lincoln passed away before he could see this united and peaceful nation. Just a few days after the end of the Civil War, on April 14, 1865, he was shot and killed by Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth while watching a play at Ford’s Theater in Washington. This assassination plunged the entire nation into mourning. Lincoln died a hero, but his legacy would live on forever. Today, he is remembered not only in America but throughout the world as a relentless defender of freedom, equality, democracy and human dignity.

We have witnessed Abraham Lincoln’s incredible journey from a log cabin to the summit of the White House and from there to the golden pages of history. He not only overcame adversity, he also became a beacon of hope in a nation’s darkest hours, changing the lives of millions and showing humanity how powerful justice, honesty and perseverance can be.